[Significance of the ICD for the comparability of indicator sets]

Classifications and compliance with definitions and rules are necessary requirements for the construction of indicator sets. Many classification rules are included in the regulatory framework of the ICD and serve as a basis for the indicator sets of the federal states, the Federal Republic of Germany, WHO, the EU and OECD. Based on selected examples of population and mortality data, the authors of the following article analyse the compliance with and/or deviations from coding rules which make the comparability of indicator sets possible, sometimes however more difficult. All of analysed indicator sets adhere to international classification rules. The calculation of the average population data or of infant mortality in the WHO, EU and OECD indicator sets leads to deviating results of the country values. The calculation of the average population deviates from that in Germany or in the EU. Slight numeric deviations finally lead to differences in country data, both with regard to population and infant mortality data. Perinatal mortality on the country level is calculated based on criteria which differ from international indicator sets. Not to be underestimated are non-valid mortality data which are used for international studies. The comparability of indicators is not yet satisfactory; partly, uniform criteria are missing.